David G. Markham, LCSWR

New York State first in US to mandate paid prenatal leave

Summary
Governor Kathy Hochul announced New York's pioneering paid prenatal leave program, starting January 1, 2025. This initiative, the first of its kind in the nation, ensures all pregnant New Yorkers can attend crucial medical appointments without financial hardship. Hochul highlights the program's significance in preventing mothers from choosing between employment and prenatal care. The program's impact is expected to positively affect over 136,000 pregnant women. Hochul expresses pride in this achievement and thanks supporters for their continued backing.

Understanding The Borderline Mother #1

David G. Markham's blog, "Markham's Behavioral Health," focuses on mental health, substance abuse, and related topics. A recent post enthusiastically recommends Christine Ann Lawson's book, "Understanding The Borderline Mother," which explores the impact of a borderline mother on her children. Markham plans a series of articles expanding on the book's themes, drawing from his professional experience and personal insights.

Social Work A Lifetime Of Practice over 56 years

Summary
This is a blog post by David G. Markham, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, reflecting on his 56-year career. He discusses the challenges and rewards of his profession, particularly the evolving role of technology in communication with clients. Markham highlights the importance of maintaining client confidentiality and navigating the complexities of private practice. He emphasizes the dual nature of his work, combining therapy with business management, and concludes by sharing his continued enjoyment of his career. The post also announces future articles focusing on his lifetime of experience in social work.

Death Notification: A Father's Grief

Summary
David Markham's account details the devastating night his family was involved in a drunk driving accident. The narrative recounts his frantic efforts to locate his injured wife and children at various hospitals, culminating in the heartbreaking discovery that two of his children died. Markham's description poignantly portrays his grief, the challenges of delivering devastating news to his surviving family, and his ultimate decision to become a DWI victim impact panelist to honor his deceased children and prevent similar tragedies. The included discussion guide proposes questions for reflection on the events described.

Psychotherapy happens in a political environment

David Markham argues that psychotherapy inherently involves power dynamics, particularly concerning clients' self-determination. He contends that therapists face ethical dilemmas when clients' choices clash with restrictive governmental policies, citing reproductive healthcare and LGBTQ+ rights as examples.

Guns is #1 killer of children and adolescents in the US

Summary
David Markham argues that lax gun control policies, promoted by groups like the NRA, contribute to high rates of gun deaths, particularly among children and teens, in the United States. 

The rating scales beyond physical pain: optimism/pessimism, energy, mental clarity

Summary
Salman Rushdie's account of his rehabilitation after a stabbing explores the fluctuating levels of optimism alongside physical pain. A parallel is drawn by David G. Markham who details his own arduous orthopedic rehabilitation, creating personal scales to measure mental clarity, energy levels, and optimism/pessimism alongside pain. 

It's not loneliness it's finding meaning in later life.

Explore the concept of successful aging, emphasizing the importance of meaning, purpose, and contribution in later life. They argue that combating the "loneliness epidemic" requires fostering a sense of usefulness and agency, rather than merely addressing social isolation. 

Psychotherapy and violence as a tool of social change

David Markham, a mental health professional, reflects on the role of violence as a tool for social change in the United States. He observes the normalization of violence in American culture, citing recent political events and rhetoric as evidence.